GLADDINGVANDERIPE's bloghttp://www.menwhoknit.com/community/blog/6843
To promote and inspire men who knit.enNow a blanket LOLhttp://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13977
<p>My silk yarn arrived yesterday in the mail. I was a bit skeptical as the
pic on ebay wasn't all that clear but the price I paid was great considering
how much I would pay for 100% silk at the local yarn store.<br />
Although its a 2 ply, its not a lace weight. Kinda in-between which I am
happy about. It would be too thick for a night shirt.<br />
It has a really nice delicate yellow shade and nice sheen to it. I started
working on it and find it very well spun (I was worried it would fray once I
started knitting) I am using size 2 circle (29) inch and holds the stitches
well.<br />
I have looked over some possibilities And found a nice easy design on Raverly
that would work for a bed spread. Its really easy<br />
The amount of yarn is enormous it went by weigh(1.5 lbs!) So I am not
concerned about running out of yarn.<br />
I will let you know how the progression goes</p>
http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13977#commentsTue, 10 Feb 2015 12:47:17 +0000GLADDINGVANDERIPE13977 at http://www.menwhoknit.com/communityBig projecthttp://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13972
<p>I have not written here for some time. Just update that I am still
knitting away. We got hit with a big snow storm yesterday so latter this am I
will plow myself out.<br />
So what did I do over this event? Went on line to ebay to bid on some yarn.
LOL I have not done this before so not sure what to expect. But I won a bid
on 100 % silk 2 ply yarn (suppose to be sunshine yellow-I don't see it in the
pics) Its on a cone (thanks God for that) They didn't give the exact yardage
but only the weight (1.5 lbs) Given the fact that 2 ply silk cannot weight
too much I hope I got enough for my long term project.<br />
I bought a recent copy of "Piecework" magazine as I like the historical knit
patterns. One is for "Gentleman's Under-Shirt" (pg 21) . I like the
pattern(done in Reversible Broken Rib). However I hope to modify this into a
night shirt.<br />
The pattern isn't very difficult and i would simply add more to the bottom of
the patter for the length. I don't care much for long sleeves so I will
reduce them.<br />
I looked around the web plus Raverly trying to find other patterns for night
shirts. I simply didn't find anything I like.<br />
I know silk doesn't have much elastic to it so I hope with this stitch and
the use of it as a night shirt might be good idea.<br />
The original pattern calls for merino wool fingerling weight. I am not one
for warm night shirts. So I hope this might be a good alternative.<br />
Have any of you out there attempted any large clothing (besides
sweaters)?</p>
http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13972#commentsMon, 02 Feb 2015 12:56:59 +0000GLADDINGVANDERIPE13972 at http://www.menwhoknit.com/communityMeeting othershttp://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13924
<p>I had the joy of meeting one of the members on this website this
Sunday.<br />
He just happened to be in my neck of the woods and asked to meet with me. I
was very flattered about it.<br />
He was a very creative man and very kind and warm to talk to. We must have
talked about knitting(him sharing one of his patterns with me) and my travels
to the Netherlands last year.<br />
One of the reasons I love this site is meeting quality men of great
creativity, really brightens my day.</p>
http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13924#commentsMon, 17 Nov 2014 13:09:39 +0000GLADDINGVANDERIPE13924 at http://www.menwhoknit.com/communityMidwest Fall Men's Retreat reviewhttp://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13917
<p>I am just winding down from the retreat this past weekend. It normally
takes a few days to come back to "earth" so to say.<br />
The Midwest Fall Men's Retreat is not one of your glorified ones of workshops
etc. Its very relaxed. Primary interest is a great group of men who share
their love for the craft.<br />
And this is the thought that has been running around in my head. (I admit I
think too much and it often gets me into trouble LOL) But it is the one thing
I totally enjoy to find meaning in areas of my life.<br />
I am not a big "professional knitter" I do not own large stashes of
yard(although I think that is changing LOL) however I love the relaxation I
get from the craft. When I get together with other like minded men it simply
helps me to break down my stereotypes of others.<br />
Being gay, I have over the years been lucky to have a small group of
"straight men" become close friends of mine. Accepting me where I am. I too
accept them where they are(ask me sometime about cruising a lesbian bar with
a straight male friend of mine) it is often a blessing when these
relationships occur. In a world where hate towards you is often preached and
knocking on your door, its nice to know I can go to a place where I feel
apart of the whole.<br />
We had a few new members attending this year as well as a few who were from
prior retreats. We do not have T.V. (some including myself had some
electronics) so our socialization was limited to "us" and the craft.<br />
I think these two elements helped to break down the distance we often have
between each other due to the social media rampages and negative view we
receive almost daily. Going back to the basics as best we can(we did have to
put logs on the stoves) showed us the values we each contributed to each
other as well as the craft.<br />
These retreats often give me consolation that there are little patches of
tranquility in this world still.</p>
http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13917#commentsTue, 11 Nov 2014 16:52:56 +0000GLADDINGVANDERIPE13917 at http://www.menwhoknit.com/communitySummer projects or Summer therapy.http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13804
<p>This summer has been busy for me. First adjusting to the the lifestyle of
semi-retirement. Part of this semi-retirement comes with more time, and to
fill this time I started a few projects.<br />
My problem is if I go on Raverly, pick up latest "Knitting Traditions" I feel
as if I HAVE to try that pattern out. I end up with 5 or 6 started projects
but no ends.<br />
Being slightly ADHD here, I have come to conclusions that the best is for me
to complete one project in total. However difficult this might be, and part
of this has been focus. I tend to see the project finished by the pictures
etc, however I do not somehow attach that with my work. Life at times for me
has no end. So the job here is to focus on the end itself.<br />
Knitting has taught me a bit more about this. I have learned whenever I see a
project on Raverly or elsewhere I can file it for future use. It will be
there for me. I do not have to have it started at this point.<br />
So what I have done is taken all my recent projects placed them carefully
away from the chair in the living room, then keeping one project near the
chair allow myself to say its ok. I have the others filed away, Nothing wrong
with going back(however on some patterns especially lace this can be a
problem)<br />
And so far this has worked! I managed to finish my tea cozy and almost
finishing up on West's Samen shaw. (endless series of garter stitches) I then
feel a real sense of accomplishment! I also tend to hurry when i have several
going at the same time. (and you all know what happens when you hurry
especially with lace) This forces me to slow down and enjoy each purl, knit
and stitch I do.<br />
Sorry for the rambling, but I have really noticed over the time how helpful
knitting has been for me</p>
http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13804#commentsSat, 02 Aug 2014 16:02:18 +0000GLADDINGVANDERIPE13804 at http://www.menwhoknit.com/communitySteven West Samenhttp://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13751
<p>Hi guys. I am starting Steven West "Samen" I am using lace weight . The
pattern calls for holding two strands of yarn together.<br />
So far I am doing well. However the pattern is divided into wedges. 1-5 .I've
finished the first wedge, however I am confused on the directions. When do I
start on the other side of the center?<br />
It begins by saying " Using BC, K3,yo,k to 1 st before the m, w&amp;t" there
are two markers with the center stitch between. (it seems like he has this on
most of his scarfs) however it doesn't say which side. So I have been doing
one wedge. I was thinking then at some point you'd go on the other side to do
the other side. But I've reread the pattern over and over and do not see
this.<br />
Then to further complicate it. the pics although artistically done. show a
consistent color pattern on BOTH sides . Should I have done the entire
"wedge" on both sides of the markers?<br />
If anyone out there has done this please let me know what to do? I will try
to send pics latter of where I am at. Its a very simple pattern and reading
thru directions doesn't sound difficult at all but… I'm lost.</p>
http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13751#commentsMon, 12 May 2014 12:19:16 +0000GLADDINGVANDERIPE13751 at http://www.menwhoknit.com/communityWorking with 100% silk fingering weighthttp://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13734
<p>Hey guys. I am working on a khata for spiritual director of mine. I bought
some 100% silk for it. I have had trouble from winding up to the knitting.
Has anyone else on here had issues with it. Its not a tight spin on the yarn.
Its very loose, however its only white I could find.<br />
Its very difficult to wind as well. I had to actually cut some of it on the
winder as it got pretty knotted up. I tried going slower so it would not be
too tight, but when I did that it started coming loose and wrapping up on the
pole. When I went too fast it was very tight and make the yarn thiner than
what i wanted. As I was getting to the end I had to adjust the pole several
times to keep from it dropping off.<br />
On the ball it is very hard to control it sometimes simply sluffs off getting
knotted again. In the actual knitting I am not having any difficulty there.
however my needles do not have a sharp point to them and the lace pattern I
am using helps a bit on that.<br />
This is the second time I've encountered difficulty with these kinda a yards.
Another time it was 100 % soy based, it was simply too slippery to put on the
winder so i had to do that chair thingy and wind it up in a ball on my own(it
took forever)<br />
Any good advice on this?</p>
http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13734#commentsSun, 13 Apr 2014 17:41:12 +0000GLADDINGVANDERIPE13734 at http://www.menwhoknit.com/communitySocks , Socks, Socks....http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13679
<p>I am afraid I have a new addiction! My sock drawer is now filled with
socks. I have no regret either.And I am still knitting some from old stashes.
Right now it is -9 with wind chill of -20. I have been wearing a pair of
chunky socks I made from old stash they are great! I wear them when working
out in the snow shoveling etc. Sometimes for a couple of hours. Most are wool
some alpaca those are very warm. I use to have to double up on the store
bought ones now I don't have to do that so that is one reason I made so
many.<br />
Another is relaxation I get from it. Something about the repeating and feel
between my fingers. I love merino wool over even the alpaca. Now my yarn
store just received some Yak DK weight. When I was in the Netherlands at one
store i visited I found some. I didn't like the feel. A bit stiff for me.
However the tactual and fiber content is very exciting to work with. Also the
colors you go to the mens shoppe in any store you get your browns blacks etc.
You might get a patterned but usually with very muted colors. That doesn't
fit me, I like variety in my life.<br />
Then something about the history. If you think about it until the industrial
age set in, most socks were hand knitted. My mother was a knitter part time
she never made any socks, she did sweaters. I wore one in the second grade
with so much pride. But having something crafted by hand is added touch. I
feel like I am repeating a skill my female (and possible male) ancestors have
engaged in. Something very timeless about this. A friend of mine who I met on
my first knitting retreat told me how much yards of yarn are in one sock. Its
amazing and its a continuous loop as well. I like to see that as a symbol of
life sometimes you have it pretty straight and narrow (the cuff) then comes
along something to put a kink in the road(the heal) but you keep going and it
all levels out(the foot)<br />
Just putting my thoughts out there on a rather cold and nasty am.</p>
http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13679#commentsFri, 07 Feb 2014 12:58:45 +0000GLADDINGVANDERIPE13679 at http://www.menwhoknit.com/communityHelp with duponti silkhttp://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13649
<p>I was going through some old stash of yarns and found a ball of duponti
silk. I have no idea what yardage it is. I had made a really nice scarf from
it a year or so ago. Its a medium size ball. my guess its worsted weight yarn
too. Any suggestions?</p>
http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13649#commentsSat, 18 Jan 2014 16:29:58 +0000GLADDINGVANDERIPE13649 at http://www.menwhoknit.com/communityMonastery Knittinghttp://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13629
<p>This weekend I went on a retreat at Saint Gregory's monastery in Three
Rivers MI... I actually knitted in public at the guesthouse. If I had not
attended the mens Knitting retreat this past fall I probably would have
retreated to my room and knitted there(part of my own Opus Dei) one of the
women on the retreat asked if I was knitting, the comment was "she tried but
never got the hang of it." I think it was novel for her to see me doing this.
The other male in the guest house didn't say much. Just said hello. There was
something rather daring and exciting to do this for the first time on my own.
Something freeing at the same time. With so many years of "closeted" knitting
at home in this community here in Fort Wayne, it felt remarkably freeing for
me. I didn't get to spend much more time at the monastery. The storm was
moving in and and being in the country the roads would have been really bad.
So I had to leave.</p>
http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13629#commentsSun, 05 Jan 2014 15:41:03 +0000GLADDINGVANDERIPE13629 at http://www.menwhoknit.com/communityMidwest Fall Men's Retreathttp://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13566
<p>Just got back from my FIRST men's knitting retreat. It was one of the best
functions I've been with. Such a group of creative and caring men! And the
food was to dye for! I ate WAY too much. Also bought more yarn than I needed
so lots of projects to do. I plan on attending more!</p>
http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13566#commentsSun, 03 Nov 2013 23:14:04 +0000GLADDINGVANDERIPE13566 at http://www.menwhoknit.com/communityMy Trip to Netherlandshttp://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13512
<p>Been awhile since I have written and thought I just update you all. I am
three days back from my vacation to Amsterdam. And it met all my
expectations. Only I didn't have much time to look for knitting stores. I did
happen to find one in the city of Hoorn. And they were having a sale on yarn!
Of course what could I do!!! I bought a skein of llama and two of finger
weight merino wool. I've never had llama before so not sure what creation
that would become. The finger weight will become a shaw, the recent edition
of "Traditional Knitting" has issue on lace. One is a dutch shawl. I might
give this a go. I also am a fan of Stephen West and he's come out with a few
new creations so that might be also possibility. I've enclosed a pic of my
encounter will a goat I met on one of the sightseeeing tours(very
commercialized) just to spark creativity in me. LOL Well evidently I cannot
upload the picture after all, too big. So when I get the time I will send one
of the yarn I purchased.</p>
http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13512#commentsWed, 04 Sep 2013 12:57:15 +0000GLADDINGVANDERIPE13512 at http://www.menwhoknit.com/communityCarbon dpshttp://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13406
<p>I just purchased a set of carbon dps. made by buckthorne. I was a bit bit
skeptical at first i have become to love my bamboo. but now knitting socks at
a pair every two weeks has taken a toll on my needles. Working with rosewood
helped but still on 0 i find a "bend" (on the bamboo i guess i hold on pretty
tight and they snap like twigs" so decided to try ebony. but trying to find
ebony in this city is next to impossible. So my favorite yarn shop had a set
and i bought them in 0. so far so good. they are light like wood and have a
matt finish so i won't drop the stitches. I had a pair of vintage dps of my
mother's only issue i had was the stitches kept sliding and i would sometimes
loose a whole row.<br />
hope this weekend between gardening and the heat to start on circular needles
to make a pair of socks. Presently I am working on a pair of dress socks for
work in superfine merino. they are the ones i am using the carbon dps on.
they are black and pretty boring. but most stuff for work is. but if you
haven't given carbon a try ( know they are expensive) give it a go.</p>
http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13406#commentsFri, 21 Jun 2013 11:26:46 +0000GLADDINGVANDERIPE13406 at http://www.menwhoknit.com/communityHELP... having difficulty with my circle knittinghttp://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13403
<p>Hey guys, I am trying to knit a Stephen West cowl for this winter. Only
issue is I have started this over 3 times! Reason twisting. On larger
circular needles(29 inches +) I do ok for the first few rows. Then all of a
sudden on rows 5 and 6 I suddenly have a twist. Is there something I am doing
wrong. I watch carefully for the first few rows after I join, what is causing
me to have the latter twist?<br />
I don't any issues with dp's. In fact I love knitting with them over
circular. I have also tried to find larger dp's to handle the large amount of
stitches but no luck, tempted buy buy some cheap needles and make my own but
not sure if i could get the tips smooth enough.<br />
Any ideas? On smaller circulars never had this problem.</p>
http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13403#commentsWed, 19 Jun 2013 00:03:44 +0000GLADDINGVANDERIPE13403 at http://www.menwhoknit.com/communityFall knitting retreat.http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13393
<p>Well guys I signed up for my very first mens knitting retreat. I am
looking forward to it. Its in November so that will be a great time. I hope
they have a fire place were good company and knitting will take place with
plenty of good fellowship</p>
http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13393#commentsThu, 13 Jun 2013 00:27:14 +0000GLADDINGVANDERIPE13393 at http://www.menwhoknit.com/communitySockshttp://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13332
<p> Yesterday at lunch break I hit two of the yarn shops here in my city. I got some really nice koigu with bright orange. I've enough left of the alpaca to do the toes in the bright red. (see the attachments)<br />
My last appointment of the day called in so I was able to break early. Weather here is great so opening the front door, prepairing my white tea and cosy up to my latest sock knitting was paradise for me.<br />
Something relaxing about this simple art. As I look over the various blogs I realize how understated male knitters are. I see so much creativity here. So much out of the box work. Its very inspiring for me.<br />
To join the ranks of the sock creators here have finished two more pair. The first was done from discount yarn. Although not quite a good quality for my tastes. However it makes a great romp around the house sock. Its the green variations. This is the one that has aloe in it. I spoke to one of the ladies at the yarn shop and she said it was the lotion. It washes out right after you block it.<br />
The red one(not sure why the IPod can't pick up the detail here) is misty alpaca with nylon support. It was done on 1's and let me tell you it was a struggle. However it is one of my favorite ones and I love the color.<br />
Thanks guys for all the inspiraton. </p>
<table id="attachments" class="sticky-enabled">
<thead><tr><th>Attachment</th><th>Size</th> </tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd"><td><a href="http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/files/IMG_0044.jpg">IMG_0044.jpg</a></td><td>286.86 KB</td> </tr>
<tr class="even"><td><a href="http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/files/IMG_0048.jpg">IMG_0048.jpg</a></td><td>280.35 KB</td> </tr>
</tbody>
</table>
http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13332#commentsWed, 01 May 2013 12:37:52 +0000GLADDINGVANDERIPE13332 at http://www.menwhoknit.com/communityMetallic yarnhttp://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13316
<p>Hey guys I got some metallic yarn at discount place. Its really neat. Simmers like diamonds. I have one in a dark black and one in light colour. The other is more copper, not much sparkle. I have been brain storming what to do with them. I thought the black would make a great net wrap. However its rather ruff (even for my my mans skin) I would be great for a art piece as well. Has anyone worked with metallic threads? Give me a few ideas.</p>
http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13316#commentsSun, 21 Apr 2013 15:49:21 +0000GLADDINGVANDERIPE13316 at http://www.menwhoknit.com/communityFinished my first pair of sockshttp://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13295
<p>Well last night at 11:00 pm(during PBS documentary "Kind Hearted Woman" I finished my first pair of kniitted socks. And they joy I felt when I put them on for the first time. It was in heaven!. They are 75 % merino wool, and 25 % nylon. Paton. Although the pics show a bit of brown (why I do not know) they are a lightly shaded greys and blacks. with a bit of twist in the yarn.<br />
They are not perfect. One is slightly larger than the other, I've holes in the gussets and some how got one in the heal flap that I can do minor repair. One difficulty I had was with the shoe shaping. I think i need to pay better attention to the position of the needles. For some unknown reason on BOTH pair the shaping goes the wrong way. LOL. SO the seem is down the middle of the toes. However one thing i noticed with this is that I have no rubbing on the sides of my foot like i do with regular bought socks, for diabetics this is a god send. SOOOO do I keep them as is or do I go ahead with it.<br />
I am already planning another pair. I have this idea of filling up my sock drawer with hand mades ones. I'm so tired of simply having black brown socks all the time. I think these will also look good on my Birkenstock's. At a few yarns sales bought a nice green one with beautiful off set colors in it. Its 100 % wool though. Very fine. The others are sport weight. One with Aloe in it. Not sure if its in it per se or simply coated with it.<br />
The other i started on were fingerling weight alpaca and nylon. I still plan on finishing those, however the #1 needles are very fragile. I broke two trying to do the gussets. I guess I held them down too hard. Instructor suggested ebony or rosewood. However, in attempting to do a sweater, I got one of my rosewood needles caught on edge of the coffee table, one pull and it snapped. So there goes that theory. </p>
<table id="attachments" class="sticky-enabled">
<thead><tr><th>Attachment</th><th>Size</th> </tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd"><td><a href="http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/files/IMG_0036.jpg">IMG_0036.jpg</a></td><td>374.83 KB</td> </tr>
</tbody>
</table>
http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13295#commentsWed, 03 Apr 2013 12:22:01 +0000GLADDINGVANDERIPE13295 at http://www.menwhoknit.com/communityAfghanhttp://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13265
<p>Here is some pics of my afghan I put together this winter. I bought the yarn when I was visiting in Indy. They had after Christmas sales. I bought a few skeins per store. I think there were like three of them, that I hit when I was there.<br />
They are all Rowen 100 % merino wool accept for a few blocks that were some rare wool from England. Not sure but it was really nubby. They are all chunky I used size 15 needle. This is very warm too. A bit on the heavy side( didn't know wool could be that heavy.) I stitched the blocks together with some worsted weight wool. Then I crochet the edges. For the most part with impromptu work it came out pretty nice. And on cold days its very warm.</p>
<table id="attachments" class="sticky-enabled">
<thead><tr><th>Attachment</th><th>Size</th> </tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd"><td><a href="http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/files/IMG_0030.JPG">IMG_0030.JPG</a></td><td>311.97 KB</td> </tr>
<tr class="even"><td><a href="http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/files/IMG_0029.JPG">IMG_0029.JPG</a></td><td>245.71 KB</td> </tr>
</tbody>
</table>
http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13265#commentsTue, 12 Mar 2013 11:50:18 +0000GLADDINGVANDERIPE13265 at http://www.menwhoknit.com/communityBig snow blast of March 6, 2013http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13256
<p>Here pic of my dog we went out after I finally dug out around 11 today. Needless to say I am dug out but the city has not done there part, now I just wait so I do not get stuck,so took a vacation day! Lots of knitting today! </p>
<table id="attachments" class="sticky-enabled">
<thead><tr><th>Attachment</th><th>Size</th> </tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd"><td><a href="http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/files/IMG_0017.jpg">IMG_0017.jpg</a></td><td>217.69 KB</td> </tr>
</tbody>
</table>
http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13256#commentsWed, 06 Mar 2013 18:10:55 +0000GLADDINGVANDERIPE13256 at http://www.menwhoknit.com/communityView of my socks I am doinghttp://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13236
<p>Here is a rather poor shot (not sure why my Ipod normally does a good job) shot to two of my socks, that I am presently knitting for the class. My finger weight is the red its a alpaca, silk, and nylon mix. The grey one is a wool and nylon mix.<br />
The other shot is a friendship shaw I am giving a friend of mine tonight. I based it on one of the shaw's from the "The New Prayer Shaw" book I picked up at B &amp; N. What I did was do the basic lace stitch, then use some of my alpaca I bought, for the shaw, the latter in the shaw spliced in yarn from my own project I wear. Basically the symbolism is two friends as one. </p>
<table id="attachments" class="sticky-enabled">
<thead><tr><th>Attachment</th><th>Size</th> </tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd"><td><a href="http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/files/IMG_0012.jpg">IMG_0012.jpg</a></td><td>247.03 KB</td> </tr>
<tr class="even"><td><a href="http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/files/IMG_0014.jpg">IMG_0014.jpg</a></td><td>356.49 KB</td> </tr>
</tbody>
</table>
http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13236#commentsSat, 23 Feb 2013 21:25:20 +0000GLADDINGVANDERIPE13236 at http://www.menwhoknit.com/communityKnitting socks IIhttp://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13235
<p>Well today we had our second knitting class on socks. Evidently we are meeting every two weeks for 4 times; so our next meeting will be the 9th of March. Seems rather odd.<br />
I was able to figure the mystery of the heel now, and how the basic shape magically appears with your needles. So we worked on this for about an hour.<br />
I get a kick out of listening to the other group members rattle on. I am not much of a big talker, but everyone once and awhile I put something in. We are doing the knit one slip the next stitch. The poor lady on my right was going on and on about various subjects, then you would hear her say "oops i knitted that row" and she would have to rip off the row and start again. Being the only one knitting in finger weight I have to knit 14 rows the rest of the group is ten. I do not think this poor lady had but one or two rows knitted. But the fun was just listening.<br />
Believe it or not this is one thing I also enjoy about knitting. You can be watching or rather hearing "The Big Bang Theory" on the tv and still be knitting along, and for the most part with a few dodges to the tv pretty much pick up the story. Same with chatting at a knitting group, I can listen pretty well while knitting, as long as the pattern isn't too complex.<br />
I love knitting lace, you know the yarn overs, knit three together bit, those require some serious concentration. And I really get lost in the quiet and peace of that structure. So it serves a purpose for me with centering and listening to me. I seem to inward focus better. These times I cherish alone.<br />
I work with emotionally disturbed children of all ages. Believe it or not one of my clients knits. He's in middle school that awkward period for most kids. He has autism, which makes it even more awkward, and being male in a midwestern school on top of it(public at that!) he is up against quite a bit.<br />
I encouraged him on the knitting. Especially as a tool for relaxing. In times he feels pressured to explode, he now has an option to express it. I even told him if he had scarp yard around, just knit up a storm! Anything form purling till he is calmer to just mixing it up for fun.<br />
I hope it works for him. Funny isn't what you think of when your knitting. </p>
http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13235#commentsSat, 23 Feb 2013 21:02:16 +0000GLADDINGVANDERIPE13235 at http://www.menwhoknit.com/communityMens knitting in Amsteram Netherlandshttp://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13230
<p>Hi guys. I will be taking a vacation in August of this year (end of month) to Amsterdam the Netherlands. I was wondering if anyone had any information of any mens knitting groups there? I have googled for the yarn shops and found several some close to where I will be staying please let me know. </p>
http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13230#commentsMon, 18 Feb 2013 00:12:37 +0000GLADDINGVANDERIPE13230 at http://www.menwhoknit.com/communityBasic sock Classhttp://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13205
<p>The class went very well today. Had about 7 people of course all women. But I seemed to fit in well. And I did some new thins like long casting on. I found out today that i was doing knitted casting(never knew it had a name, mom taught me)<br />
I will have pics of my project on latter. Right now its a wonderful red yarn blend of alpaca, silk and nylon.<br />
Once the instructor had us on the right road, we just relaxed and chatted it was a great time. Meet in two weeks to "turn the heal" something foreign to me. </p>
http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13205#commentsSat, 09 Feb 2013 23:48:43 +0000GLADDINGVANDERIPE13205 at http://www.menwhoknit.com/communityBasic Sock Classhttp://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13201
<p>Men<br />
Saturday I will be taking my first basic sock class. I have a hunch that I might be the only male there. I am not worried. I spoke with the teacher and she is very supportive. It will be a small class of perhaps 8. It is being held at the yarn shop I do most of my shopping at.<br />
Ron in Maine I am excited that the socks are done. I hope I can do the same. I am getting a bit tired of doing caps scarves etc. I think too family and friends are all ready for something new besides scarves. So ready to start out. I did manage to practice a bit with the needles. We are using size 1 even thought I have very small hands it seems easy enough to manipulate them. The yarn is a alpaca mix with silk and nylon. (have become addicted to alpaca.) So looking forward to it. Its this Sat ! More latter as i tackle this new found excitement</p>
http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13201#commentsFri, 08 Feb 2013 13:16:56 +0000GLADDINGVANDERIPE13201 at http://www.menwhoknit.com/communityThanks !http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13200
<p>Thanks men for the support and caring I appreciate it! I kinda felt this website was this supportive. I have taken a picture of one of the shawls that I mentioned in the blog. I made this one first for my mother. After dad passed away this August I found the shaw I was so excited I almost lost it that mom kept it all these years. I made it about 1974 or 5. When I found it I immediately wrapped myself in it, almost feeling moms warmth.</p>
<table id="attachments" class="sticky-enabled">
<thead><tr><th>Attachment</th><th>Size</th> </tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd"><td><a href="http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/files/IMG_0006.jpg">IMG_0006.jpg</a></td><td>419.29 KB</td> </tr>
</tbody>
</table>
http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13200#commentsThu, 07 Feb 2013 23:31:53 +0000GLADDINGVANDERIPE13200 at http://www.menwhoknit.com/communityWhy I like Knitting.http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13198
<p> Well I am actually blogging about something I totally love. I don't know how well this will go over, so be patient with me.<br />
As I have grown older in years (but not in spirit) I tend to go back to "better times" One of these times was knitting.<br />
It was a "hobby" that I took up when I was quite young. Mostly to fill those lonely times at home.<br />
You see being gay in a very conservative part of the state is a very lonely. You feel pretty much alone. You would like to fit in (and believe me I tried)but for some reason the shoe didn't fit. It was like putting a pull over on the wrong way, you know your like wondering why your back feels cold, and you can't seem to get the neck just right.<br />
So when I felt that way I moved to anything with needles. I've done everything needlepoint, crochet, tatting, and weaving. But the one thing that really stuck with me was knitting.<br />
I suppose it was the comfort of the moment that drew me to it. When everyone in high school was going out on dates etc, i withdrew to the bedroom and knitted long scarfs, and endless lengths of stuff, never functional. I did it just to try and deal with the pain of what was happening. Something comforting about the feel of the yarn and the design I was attempted seemed to ease the pain.<br />
In high school I attempted the first "out of the closet knitting" experience. We had two exchange students, one was from I think Sweden, and the other from Austria. Believe it or not the one from Austria was staying with a family across the street, so she was also going to my school. I knew some German(taking two years in junior and high school) so i could practice it and actually get to know someone new.<br />
She was very worldly to my midwest thinking, she questioned EVERYTHING. She wondered why everyone was so caught up with religion. Sexuality was a puzzle to her too, she I guess never understood why there was so many virgins going around the school. I guess that too me ! She was so opposite of what I was living in, and i LOVED IT!<br />
Anyway we rather "hung" out together during her visit. She was also the first one who actually asked me whether I was gay or not. Yes that was the terms she used. Not homosexual, or queer like my midwestern class mates like to use. It was perhaps the first time someone used the term in a positive way.<br />
Your probably wondering what does this have to do with knitting. Well I knew at the end of the summer they were both leaving, and I wanted something to give them to remember me by. I had found a Hearts knitting pattern at the local dime store here in my community and knitted my mother a shaw from it. (I have that shaw still) so I thought I would knit each one a shawl prior to them leaving.<br />
The young woman from Sweden got a pretty yellow one, and the one from Austria and light blue. I am not sure how I chose the colors. I knew I was taking a risk not from them but from the other classmates(who also attended the same church) but I took it.<br />
When the time arrived to present it to them I was astonished! There was no ridicule no drawing back, simply no judgement, only hugs and kisses. That moment over the years kept in my memory.<br />
To this day I do not know what happen to them. I think deep in my heart they both became wonderful women of grace and charm even to this day. And for me the risk of knitting made me stronger about who I was. </p>
http://www.menwhoknit.com/community/node/13198#commentsThu, 07 Feb 2013 13:12:11 +0000GLADDINGVANDERIPE13198 at http://www.menwhoknit.com/community